The Doctor-patient relationship is one of the most trusted in life. People strive to find a physician that seeks to care for them as if they were their only client, and to look out for their healthcare interests.
This paradigm may be changing however, as more and more people are coming to believe their Doctors, and the agency which they are under (AMA), are partnered more with corporate interests than with the patients they service.
In a new survey undertaken by Consumer Reports, more people than ever believe that Doctors are now influenced by Big Pharma over the needs of them as a patient.
Of the nearly 1,200 patients interviewed, nearly half believe that gifts from drug companies influence which drugs their doctors prescribe. And more than 80 percent believe that drug companies offer incentives to doctors to get them to write more prescriptions.
Other concerns include doctors agreeing to be paid spokespersons for drug companies, speaking at drug industry conference and being "wined and dined" by drug company executives in exchange for favors.
Americans have known for years that government agencies such as the FDA are too close to the corporate pharmaceutical companies by the fact that scientists and leadership usually acquire high paying jobs in these companies after leaving government service. Now they are becoming aware of the partnership between their personal Doctors and these same companies.
It is a catch-22 here, as Doctors are spending so many hours per week treating patients that finding the time to study and learn the ever growing cache of new medicines is impossible to do. They rely upon the corporate 'scientists' and their own agencies (AMA) to ensure the testing and studies to be accurate, and to give them vital information. However, money is the primary goal of a corporation, and in many instances, is the one element that can lead even Doctors to choose to overlook potential issues with these products.
The answer lies in what should have been the foundation from the beginning. People, not Doctors, are responsible for their health. Understanding prevention techniques as well as what ailments they have, or may be susceptible to is the key to receiving proper care and finding proper treatment.
Comments
Big business again...
Good article
This article really becomes apparent when you visit two different doctors, for different reasons, and they prescribe the same drug!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!